Course Overview
The Bear Chase 50K takes place each October at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, Colorado, featuring a unique three-loop format that keeps you coming back to the start/finish area. The course combines one shorter "Blue" loop of about 6 miles with two longer "Orange" loops of roughly 12.5 miles each, totaling just over 31 miles with around 2,000 feet of climbing. Nearly the entire course runs on soft dirt singletrack, with only a brief asphalt section during the opening loop. The terrain isn't overly technical, making this a solid choice for first-time ultramarathoners, though you'll encounter the Mt. Carbon climb twice during the Orange loops. The course moves through varied park terrain with mix of exposed and shaded sections, and the relatively modest elevation gain is spread throughout rather than concentrated in brutal climbs. Runners who appreciate a well-supported race with frequent crew access will find the multiple trips through the start/finish area helpful for nutrition and gear changes. The 14-hour cutoff is generous, but the rolling cutoffs after 6 PM require maintaining a pace faster than 16:45 per mile. This suits runners looking for a manageable step into ultra distance without excessive technicality or punishing elevation.